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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Top 5 most popular technology solutions in 2013

Here are my predictions for the five most popular technology solutions we’ll begin seeing more of in 2013.1) Lifting the banPolicymakers will stop banning and start embracing the use of cell phones and other student-owned digital devices in school. This will help provide equity and access to students using the tools they use in life and need for success in the world.
2) Customizing learning with digital lectures and learning resourcesInnovative educators will realize that instruction can be customized to learners when lectures and other learning resources are available anytime, anywhere, to anyone that needs them. These classrooms will look very different with students moving at their own pace using materials customized to their needs. The teacher will be able to focus more time on supporting individual students and small groups.3) Embracing social mediaSchools and districts will realize the importance of empowering students to responsibly use social media. These pioneering districts will be examples of what happens when we support students in effectively using the resources they need for academic, career, and citizenship success. 4) Providing home internet accessHome internet access will start to be seen as a right rather than as a privilege. School districts will begin working with internet providers to offer special rates and packages to students who qualify for subsidies such as free lunch.

5) Going paperlessSchools and districts will re-allocate resources away from paper and toward digital solutions. Savvy decision makers will find ways that this can save schools money as they realize savings in reduced costs of items such as textbooks, copy machines, toner cartridges, etc. Beyond 2013...My prediction for the future is that students will have more opportunities to show what they know with badges like Modzilla Open Badges, BadgeStack, Uboost and products like Knowit. What do you think?